The story below is a work of fiction. None of the events
described happened, nor do any of the characters exist. The story
contains erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting
males. If you find this type of work offensive, or if you are underage
and it is illegal to view this, do not read it, and please exit now.

The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work
my not be reproduced, except for personal use, without the permission
of the author, and may not be linked to pay sites.

Dedication: This is dedicated to my special friend, Ry,
who provided the inspiration for this, my first effort at writing fiction,
and to Don Hanratty, the author of Working It Out, a beautiful piece of
work (Nifty/college section), who encouraged me to post it here.

If you would like to comment or have suggestions, you may E-mail
me at JETjt@aol.com. Thanks to those of you who have taken the time
to do so. Your comments are appreciated. John Tucker

RON AND BRYAN

Chapter 10

Ron, Bryan and Alan entered the wide doorway of the private hospital
suite, located on the eighth floor of the Turner Wing. In a bed
near the window, the form of Rich lay, seemingly asleep. The men
moved to the bedside and looked at the prostrate body lying with on leg
sticking out of a light a sheet and light blanket, which covered the young
body up to mid chest level. A nylon covered, removable cast was wrapped
around the projecting leg, and a large shoulder to hand plaster cast encapsulated
the right arm. A smaller plaster cast from the left mid forearm
to the fingers, wrapped around the lower left arm. A large bandage covered
the entire scull, and swooped down across the right temple covering the
right ear. Bruises, small lacerations and abrasions were visible
on the right side of the face, but they appeared neither serious
nor deforming.

"Not to worry, son," Alan replied with tears in his eyes. "We're
just glad you're O.K. Guess you can't really know how much you love
someone, 'till you think that you might lose 'em."

Bryan greeted with a smile, his younger friend, the son of his
lover, and almost a son to himself. "Hi, Rich, I'd give ya a HUG, but
I don't wanna get clubbed by your pitching arm! How're ya doin?"

"Truthfully, I feel like shit, and have a terrible headache.
The pain killers help but make me so sleepy, I can hardly stay awake."

"Hi, Sexy guy." Ron said, grinning. " Ready to take another swim?"

"Yeah, sure! In your dreams!"

Alan knew now, that Rich was going to be fine. He felt
exhausted by the stress of the past few hours.

"Why don't you take a rest," Alan suggested. "We'll be here when
you wake up in the morning."

Rich's eyes closed.

The older men moved away from the bed and settled onto a sofa
and an arm chair in the small seating area of the lounge. Alan looked
at Ron.

"I guess we should go home now. It's nearly 10 o'clock, and
we should be back here early in the morning."

In agreement, the men rose, picked up their things and exited to
the nursing station. They informed the nurse in charge, that they
had decided to go home, but if there was any change in Rich's condition,
that they wanted to be immediately notified and otherwise, would be back
at 7 in the morning. The nurse was about to inform them of the hospital's
visiting hours as she picked up Rich's chart and noticed the "Special
V.I.P " notation on the chart, which was initialed by the Chief of Staff.
There was also a handwritten note on the chart's border in red ink, "All
courtesies are to be extended to the patient and his family--- Paul McInerny,
Administrator."

"This kid must be somebody special," she thought. She said
simply, "Yes sir, goodnight."

* *
* *

Calling ahead to a small favorite "eatery", Ron made the stop on
the trek home. He didn't want Dorothy to have to go to any trouble,
since their earlier plans to stay all night at the hospital had changed.
Ron ran inside of the small restaurant that he frequently visited,
and picked up the 'to go' order.

The food looked good, though it had started to get a bit cold,
by the time that they had arrived home. Ron gave it a quick zap
in the micro and carried it outside to the terrace tables. Alan
and Bryan were just coming down the stairs from their room where
they had gone to "freshen up" before dinner. They enjoyed the meal
and the company, but they all agreed that the day had been 'a little much'
!

After they had eaten and removed the trash. The men relaxed
on the terrace overlooking the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Alan looked at Ron, "You don't know how much you've come to mean
to Bry and to me. At first, when I first met you, I thought that you were
just a cute guy with a lot of money and terrible jokes," he grinned.
"Now I know the truth. You are a wonderful, caring guy, who not only
can enjoy the richness of life, but can share it with others, many of
whom are desperate for a glimpse of hope. You are a man of action who touches
and changes the wrongs in the world, not for your own glorification, but
because they need to be changed. You proved a lot to me today. I'm proud
to be associated with you, and to call you my friend."

With his eyes downcast, Ron replied to the complements, "Thanks...I
don't know what to say....I try to do good, ...and have more help than
I deserve by great people who have also chosen to do good. Most
of them have far bigger hearts than mine. I have to confess, though, that
I have hedonistic instincts that pop up, and more often that I want to
think about. Too often, I obey the 'call of the wild'."

"When I met Bryan on the Internet, a year and a half ago, I had
been on a wild binge of pleasure, and was only home because I was too exhausted
to go out. I clicked on a gay chat room where a bunch of guys were throwing
a cyber-party for Bryan's 25th birthday. I joined in, but mostly
listened to the fun and the caring that the other guys had for this great
guy. I knew at once, that I wanted to get to better know this delightful
nut, and if humanly possible, become friends. I was successful, and have
loved his company. I'm sure that you know that I lied to him about my
age, and some of the details about my life. He forgave me, for which I
will be eternally grateful, What I found was a friend who was loving and
forgiving, a guy who was willing to hold out his arms to you, but
at the same time, guarded jealously his love for a certain man who held the
keys to his heart!

I wanted to be like him. I wanted to have what he had. ...I still
do! .... I don't want to be him, or take what he has, but I want
to feel what he feels, and to have someone to love, and who loves me,
the way he does you! I further admit to you, his soul mate,
that at first I wanted him. I wanted him so bad! Then I realized,
that the reason I loved him was the very reason that even if I could get
him, our relationship would be destroyed! If he gave up his love for you,
to come to me, it would eradicate the very quality from him, that
I wanted most! Absolute, faithful love!

I learned to love him as a friend. He has been more of an
influence on me than you could possibly guess. The influence has been
all good. I'm a far better man than I was when I met him.

I know that you think that I am generous toward you. You
probably think I am crazy! Believe me, what Bryan has given me
in understanding , is worth far more than money. He sees the good in
me, far beyond my failings. I want to show him that I can make myself
into the great guy he pretends I am, but am really not. I want to make
myself into that guy that really is good, who really IS great. I am
here to thank him, for his generosity, and more than that, for showing
me the man I can be!' And last, I want to thank you, Alan, for the love
you have for my Bryan, the friend I value so highly."

Ron's eyes were leaking badly, as were the eyes of his friends.

Standing up and regaining his composure, Ron said with a slow smile,
..."Well, so much for 'tales of the crypt!.... Now, off to bed with you!"

The friends, saying no more, exchanged affectionate hugs, then
parted.

* * *
*

After showering together, but avoiding the tempting actions that
would lead to immediate satisfaction, the lovers instead chose
their bed.

Kissing and drawing his lover's naked body into a position of
intimate union, and caressing the man that he loved, Alan said softly,
"I love you more than I can express. I love your very being. You
are everything I have ever wanted or desired. You are my very soul!"

Looking into Alan's eyes, Bryan responded tenderly," You are my love,
my protector, and my ideal! You took me in and showed me love.
The love of giving, of sharing, of passion and of caring. I see you
as a gentle flower, beautiful and refreshing! I see you as a lion,
powerful and consuming! You drive me wild with passion., wanting
all of you, to be one with you!"

The bright lights of Las Vegas, were dim, that night, in
comparison to the radiance of their lovemaking.

* *
* *

Ron had just finished filling his breakfast plate, when Alan
and Bryan entered the breakfast room.

"Boy, 5 o'clock sure comes early here! Yawn!" Bryan said, stretching.

"Well," Ron responded, "You could have slept in another half
hour if you hadn't taken the extra time together in the shower!"
He smiled and winked, while the other guys grinned sheepishly.

Alan and Bryan sat down at the table with their plates.

"We need to talk about something," Ron started. "I know that
you guys were planning to go back to New York tonight. It is possible,
but not likely that Rich will be released today. It is more likely that
it will be Monday, but it might be as late as Tuesday. We should find out
this morning. I'll like to offer you some options. First, you, one or both,
are welcome to stay here for as long as you like. I love the company and
it is not an inconvenience to me. Second choice, you may both go back,
and leave Rich here in my tender care. It will not cause me any problem.
Dorothy will be here when I have to be in the office, and she is 'taken' by
Rich, and would love to have somebody around to fuss over. I have to come
to New York on Friday for business anyway, and he should be fit enough for
travel by then. I would love to have him as a guest for a few days."

"Those are very generous offers, Ron, and we appreciate it," Alan
said. "and I really should get back. I felt bad enough taking the weekend
off, after I had just given notice. Bryan has classes too and I'm sure
he hasn't even done any homework yet. Why don't we see what the Doctor
says, then Bry and I will discuss it and let you know. If we decide
to leave, maybe we could just take a commercial flight, and save you the
trouble of flying us home."

"A commercial flight is probably not an option. It is very difficult
to book a flight from here on Sunday, especially on short notice. My guys
only need a couple of hours 'heads up' to get ready, since they had planned
on flying you guys back today anyway."

"Maybe Rich will get released today, and he can go home with us. I
hope so, hospitals are horribly expensive, and I don't want to put you out."

"Yeah, that would be great if it happens, but they want to be sure
he is O.K. before they release him, so I wouldn't count on an early release.
As for being 'put out', you don't understand, I want him to stay! He
is a real kick, and I promise to take good care of him under whatever
term you want to dictate. The 'hot tub incident' would never have occurred
if he hadn't come on to me, himself. I'm no predator! Lastly, about
the hospital bill. I put you on our medical coverage the minute you said
'yes'. That includes Bryan and Rich. We have the best plan available, 100%
coverage for everything! The limit is $100,000 per year, and $1 million
cumulative. I told you, we take care of our people!"

"I'm astounded!"

"Well, our folks have to have SOME compensation for putting up with
me," Ron laughed. Did you read the contract you signed?"

"Well, I looked quickly through it, but not carefully.... I trusted
you."

"Read it carefully sometime. It is patterned after my RET employee
contracts. All of the top executives, have become multi-millionaires,
and more than one rank-and-file employee is worth well over $1 million.
One of my goals is to make all of our people independently wealthy,
so that they can tell me to go to hell, if they want. That way, I can
know they are being straight with me, cause they don't NEED the job! I
admit that is is a goofy way of looking at things, but THEY are the
ones who are making me super rich, so, what the hell! .... Yikes, look at
the time! We better get movin' or were gonna miss the opportunity to
spoon feed Rich his breakfast.!"

They got movin' and didn't miss the opportunity.

* *
* *

Just before noon, the doctor entered the suite. "I've got good
news! I have reviewed all the new tests we just ran, and it looks
like this young man will be able to leave tomorrow! I think that his doctor
at home can remove the cast on his left arm in a few days. The splint
on his right leg should be gone in two or three weeks, or before, and
the cast off of his right arm in a month, if he heals quickly. The head
bandage, is principally to keep the wound clean. We will remove it before
he is released. He will probably not back into full handsomeness for
a couple of weeks, because of the bruises, but it won't be painful.
I would recommend a couple of days off his feet, at home, before he does
a lot of moving around, but I know young people. The more rest, the
quicker he will heal. Do you have any questions?

Alan asked, "Could he travel back to New York tomorrow?"

"Well, I wouldn't recommend it, but I'm only the doctor. I think he
will still be weak, but you can do as you wish! I had hoped that he
would come back in Thursday for a post-op check up. Let me know, either
way. Well if that's it, then I better get on with my rounds."

"Thanks you doctor, we appreciate it."

"You are most welcome."

*
* * *

Bryan and Alan were just returning from the cafeteria where the had
gone for a bite of lunch and to discuss their plans. As they opened
the door to the suite, they saw Ron returning from the bathroom with a male
urinal container container in his hand.

"Had the kid's dick in your hand again, huh? Alan said laughing.

Rich's face turned a bright red.

Ron joined in the laughter, and replied, "Well, somebody's gotta do
it!"

The laughter and color increased....

Alan looked at Ron saying, "Bryan and I have decided that we had better
go home today. Rich can come back with you on Friday."

"I'm happy that he can stay, but just sorry that you can't stay longer
instead. He won't be out of your sight for long though.... I had hoped that
this weekend would be fun for you but I guess it turned out to be a bust.
What time to you have to leave?"

"As soon as convenient, I suppose. With the time difference it
will be late when we get there, but of course I'm used to late hours. Bryan
has early classes though, so I guess we had better leave whenever the plane
is ready."

"O.K., I'll call the pilot and find out."

Ron stepped into the corridor, took out his cell phone and dialed the
home number of his pilot, while Alan and Bryan said their good-byes to
Rich. Stepping back into the room, he informed the older men that the plane
would be ready by the time they could get there.

"Well then we'd better scoot," Bryan said. Giving Rich a hug, he joked,
"Stay out of the hot tub, big guy!" Then turning away from the bed, he muttered
as if to himself, "I never could teach that kid nothin'!"

Grinning, Alan added his hug to Bryan's. "Bye Rich, try not to
be a nuisance."

"Don't worry, Dad, Ron and I are gonna have a lot of fun! ......yeah,
sure."

"I'll be back in about 2 hours," Ron said. "I'll bring your knitting
so that you won't be bored."

Rich looked at his arms enveloped in plaster and said, "Thanks, for
nothing.... Bye."

* *
* *

Ron's silver Mercedes whisked down the freeway loop, headed toward the
airport. The men had returned to the house, picked up the departing guests'
luggage and the visitors had thanked Margaret and Parker, the butler, for
taking good care of them during their stay.

"Ron," Bryan said, " We'd like to invite you to stay with us next weekend
on Long Island. We'd like to return your kindness, and hospitality."

"I appreciate the invitation, more than you know, but you will have your
hands full with Rich. I think I'll stay at the Waldorf. Perhaps another
time. Besides, there's someone there I want to see again."

"Matt?" Alan guessed.

Ron nodded.

"Who's Matt," Bryan asked.

Ron told his friends about the young man he had met at the hotel, and
their wonderful evening at Martha's Vineyard. He told them of the the
fun of discovery that the had shared at the Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums.
He didn't tell them about the more intimate times with Matt, and they didn't
ask. He believed that they knew without the telling. Ron looked
forward to seeing Matt again.

Rich and I will call you Wednesday evening, when you're off, to
let you know our plans for arrival, and we can talk about the weekend. Now
I want to tell you something that will make your trip back to New York
a bit more enjoyable.

Both men looked at Ron questioningly.

"The sofa on the plane folds out into a comfortable bed. The pillows
are in the side stand, and you will find 'slippy stuff' in a box under
the sink in the head, marked 'Rocket fuel'! The crew has been instructed
to not disturb you, unless you buzz them. It's time you joined the 'Mile
High Club'," he grinned.

The lovers turned their heads and looked at each other, with a gleam
in their eyes. They were smiling.

* * *
*

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'd enjoy hearing from you. John
Tucker- JETjt@aol.com